On this assured and inventive outing, Case does not disappoint, as she revisits the haunting atmosphere of earlier offerings, but also broadens her sound. Incorporating elements of country, early rock & roll, and moody film scores, Case creates a fascinatingly anachronistic aesthetic, evoking some enigmatic lost era with songs such as the lilting "Star Witness," the soulful "John Saw That Number," and the ominously orchestral "Dirty Knife." While Case--with her bold, sensual, and dynamic voice--is clearly the main attraction of FOX CONFESSOR, the record also features an impressive supporting cast, including the Band's Garth Hudson (piano, organ), Giant Sand's Howe Gelb (guitar, piano), and members of Calexico and the Sadies. For longtime Case fans, the album will only increase adulation, while those unfamiliar with this unique performer will likely discover a favorite new artist.
Issued more than three years after Neko Case's BLACKLISTED, 2006's FOX CONFESSOR BRINGS THE FLOOD finds the alt-country chanteuse finally unveiling a new full-length studio album. During the preceding years, Case built a sizeable following both on her own and with the New Pornographers, making this record one of the most anticipated releases of early '06.
Personnel: Neko Case (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, dulcimer, tambourine, background vocals); Kelly Hogan (vocals, background vocals); Paul Rigby (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 12-string guitar, loops); Travis Good (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Joey Burns (acoustic guitar, nylon-string guitar, cello, bass instrument, upright bass); Dallas Good (electric guitar, 12-string guitar); Howe Gelb (electric guitar, piano); Dexter Romweber, Travis , Brian Connelly (electric guitar); Jon Rauhouse (Hawaiian steel guitar, banjo); Anna DeWolf (violin); Garth Hudson (piano, organ); Tom V. Ray (upright bass, bass guitar); Tom Ray, Sean Dean (upright bass); John Convertino, Willie B, Mike Belitsky (drums); Rachel Flotard (background vocals).
Rolling Stone (p.92) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[F]rom her luscious, aching croon, and her ensemble's solemn high-mesa twang and groove, you'd never guess she wasn't covering Patsy Cline standards." Rolling Stone (p.109) - Ranked #45 in Rolling Stone's "The Top 50 Albums Of 2006" -- "[Featuring] her smoky voice, rootsy band and cryptic songwriting..." Spin (p.60) - Ranked #17 in Spin's "The 40 Best Albums of 2006" -- "Her music is a study in visceral pleasure; when those pipes kick in, it's like sunlight piercing storm clouds." Uncut (p.106) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[D]rawing on Baptist spirituals, lush country-pop and torch-song twang, it's less alt.country history lesson, more fairytale fever dream of Americana." Magnet (p.89) - "Neko Case not only carries torch songs, she handles them with care. And when she belts it out, she's as stirring as her gospel heroes and as punk as Exene Cervenka." Down Beat (p.84) - 5 stars out of 5 -- "[With an] unearthly beauty and uninterrupted landscapes of life after life..." Dirty Linen (p.55) - "The songs themselves are so lush and layered that they sound orchestrated....[The songs] stay with you for a long, long time." Mojo (Publisher) (p.98) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]hese songs -- build on melodies resonant as hymns, but without traditional structures -- reveal themselves only in repetition; they're well suited for winter nights spent staring at a fire."
One of her best Although my favorite Neko Case album is the one that's different from all the others - Blacklisted- this is a close second. I absolutely love the first track Margaret v Pauline. It is an amazing song.
Usually I note that a good album in my book is where 1/3 of the songs are ones I love listening to again and again and this one fully meets that criteria with Star Witness, Hold On, Dirty Knife, Needle has landed..etc Sorry I don't have anything more specific to say about this album other than it's got some great lyrical storytelling. Submitted by negutron (Denver, CO) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Must beg to differ I hate to agree with the reviewers above, but this is a classic, landmark album. The critics will fawn over this release in years to come. Submitted by blakeney (Toronto Canada) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Creative, Different, Gets better with age I was neutral after the first listen, but I keep gravitating back to this CD and appreciate it more each time.
Neko's got a great voice and writes interesting songs with atypical structures that sound fresh and original. She's much more polished and accomplished than almost every other indie act I've heard lately.
Submitted by Ron (Los Angeles) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
She's Done It Again... Contrary to other reviews of this record, I feel the "tunnel" sound of this recording adds to its haunting quality. Neko has really outdone herself, and this record really deserves the hype it is getting. The songs are well-written, and Neko's voice is quite possibly the most gorgeous instrument out there. "Hold On, Hold On" and "Maybe Sparrow" are highlights. Submitted by jasono1 (Milwaukee, WI) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
A nice change In the world with meaningless pop music sellouts, this cd was something new, different and original. Something that left you with something more than a catchy phrase. Submitted by Nat (Towson, MD, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Must beg to differ
A nice change
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